Project Description
JAXON KEYS WINERY
When Diane and Ken Wilson first visited the Mendocino County property they fell in love with the patchwork of California oaks and the Russian River running along the vineyards. Bringing this historic Mendocino winery and vineyard back to life was a challenge they could not pass up.
Ken is passionate about all his vineyards and wineries as well as their importance to the communities and historical significance. The Mendocino property being an intact Spanish landgrant parcel dating back to 1858 and the Estates first vineyards being planted in 1960 with one of the oldest bonded wineries in Mendocino County commencing production in 1984… reminded him of his grandfathers with their passion for farming and the land. Ken and Diane honored them both, Jack Wilson and Cecil Keys, with a new label and the Jaxon Keys brand was born.
Our winemaker, Antoine Favero, has brought many exciting changes to Jaxon Keys. Our expanded offering, highlighting one of the premier Rhône varietals, Grenache, is one of our favorites. Also grown on the Jaxon Keys Estate: Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah gain their intensity and focus from shallow, dry and less fertile soils. Estate Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, French Colombard and Viognier vineyards are situated on Russian River frontage of fertile, alluvial soils perfect for producing quality white winegrapes.
DISTILLERY
The Jaxon Keys distillery houses a 19th century Alambic Pot still that to this day produces America’s Best Brandy according to the American Distilling Institute. French alambic pot still produces Cognac made exclusively from estate-grown French Colombard.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
- 2022 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge
96 points, Double Gold – 2020 Brandy Barrel Zinfandel
94 points, Gold – 2019 GPS
91 points, Gold – 2020 Primitivo, Michael’s Reserve
90 points, Gold – 2020 Mae’s Block Zinfandel - 2022 Sunset International Wine Competition
93 points, Gold – 2021 Viognier, Debbie’s Vineyard - 2021 Sunset International Wine Competition
91 points, Gold – 2019 Primitivo, Wedding Cake - Sunset Magazine
98 points, Best of Class, Double Gold – 2022 Rare Brandy - LA Times
98 points, Best Brandy – 2022 Rare Brandy
96 points, Double gold – 2022 Signature - Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
90 points – 2014 Burnee Hill Red Blend - 2017 North Coast Wine Challenge
94 points, Best of Class – 2015 Estate Primitivo
95 points, Gold – 2015 Merlot, Dry Creek Valley
94 points, Gold – 2015 Estate Petite Sirah
95 points, Gold – 2015 Zinfandel, Mae’s Block - 2017 North of the Gate Wine Competition
2 Best of Class, 1 Double Gold, 2 Gold Medals - 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
4 Gold Medals - 2017 American Distilling Institute Craft Spirits Awards
Best of Category: Jepson Signature Reserve Brandy (9 years running!)
Gold Medal: Jepson Old Stock Brandy
